With the stunning imagery brought to life through the Harry Potter series, more and more students are searching for colleges that look like Hogwarts.
What could be better than attending a magical campus with spectacular architecture that takes your breath away?
Colleges That Look Like Hogwarts
Potterhead or not, let’s look at some of the top universities with a mystical charm you will fall in love with.
1. Boston College
There’s no doubt that your first glance at Boston College’s campus in the heart of Boston will remind you of Harry Potter.
With its spanning archways and classic gothic architecture, it’s a stunning campus to study at. It is also among the finest liberal arts colleges in the United States.
The college was founded in 1863, finding its home in the South End.
As a Harry Potter fan, you will love how the college’s colors are maroon and gold, resemblant to our favorite Gryffindor protagonists.
Not to mention the campus is located in Chestnut Hill, which is known as one of the more vibrant college communities in the country.
A Harry Potter-esque landscape isn’t the only thing Boston College has to offer, as its academics are also incredible for prospective students.
With multiple schools of learning, students can study various valuable subjects. The areas of study to consider at Boston College include:
- Carroll School of Management
- Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences
- Connell School of Nursing
- Lynch School of Education
- School of Theology and Ministry
- Woods College of Advancing Studies
2. Bryn Mawr College
Bryn Mawr answers all of our Harry Potter dreams with its scenic campus filled with a blend of modern and gothic architecture.
Many current and prospective students are proud to call this campus home, especially as it’s one of the country’s most distinguished women’s colleges.
What’s fascinating is that although you will feel like you are away at Hogwarts, it is also located close to a major metropolitan area.
Students interested in diversifying into advanced studies will appreciate both the post-baccalaureate premedical program and the coed graduate schools.
Undergraduates will also have a pick of a ton of different programs for study, including humanities, social sciences, and science majors.
Along with strong Harry Potter influences, Bryn Mawr’s curriculum is uniquely designed to help students become the best versions of themselves.
The traditions at the school are some of the most notable, especially for Potterheads.
Bryn Mawr leans into the Harry Potter fandom by offering an end-of-year event where the dining hall is transformed.
Students and teachers dress up as their favorite characters and celebrate in the stunning collegiate gothic-influenced architecture.
3. Kenyon College
Everything about Kenyon College screams Harry Potter, from its residential buildings to its stunning newly designed library.
Most notably, the school’s dining hall will feel like you’ve walked straight into Hogwarts, with spanning ceilings and cathedral gothic-inspired architecture.
Located in Gambler, Ohio, it is one of the most aesthetically-pleasing campuses in the state.
Like Bryn Mawr College, Kenyon College takes Harry Potter seriously, offering a special annual event titled “Harry Potter Day.”
Students can wander into the on-campus coffee shop (Wiggin Street Coffee) and order the famed butterbeer during this event.
It is a day filled with spectacular events that offer a true homage to Harry and his friends.
Kenyon College is also a phenomenal opportunity for students looking for various academic programs.
Currently, the curriculum features over 50 majors, minors, and concentrations.
Students can also design their learning pathway or opt for a double major, allowing them to specialize in two areas simultaneously.
4. Chestnut Hill College
As one of the most stunning college campuses in Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill College is made for Potterheads.
The incredible class buildings boast an authentic gothic feel that makes you feel like you’ve just walked out of The Philosopher’s Stone.
Many of the building interiors also play off of their original architectural flair, making you feel like you’re studying in the halls that Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked through.
If you are searching for a college campus that offers Harry Potter events, Chestnut Hill is one of the top recommendations.
Since 2012, the school has hosted The Harry Potter Conference, offering an academic outlet for Potterheads.
During the conference, you will be able to discuss everything about the series, from analyzing J.K. Rowling’s texts to meeting new friends.
At Chestnut Hill College, students can also explore several fabulous learning opportunities while studying on the unforgettable campus.
It offers an extensive list of undergraduate, graduate, and accelerated adult courses for working professionals.
Also, the school features an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ideal for students who prefer small class sizes.
5. Mount Holyoke College
If Moaning Myrtle was always a fascinating character to you, Mount Holyoke College is an excellent option if you’re studying in Massachusetts.
There are rumors the school is haunted, which adds an allure when you’re walking through the halls.
The entire campus has a quaint appeal that would be perfect for someone like Hermione Granger.
Although it’s technically classified as a women’s college, Mount Holyoke is gender diverse, offering equal opportunity to all students.
It is located within a lush green space that adds natural beauty to the entire campus.
Even with the central clocktower in town, some gothic influences are reminiscent of the mid-1800s.
Mount Holyoke College has a fantastic history with its creation in 1837 by Mary Lyon.
Originally a seminary, the school became the first of the Seven Sisters, offering top-tier liberal arts education to women across the United States.
Within these walls, thousands of women have developed their intellect, showed incredible courage, and developed powerful lives for themselves.
6. Swarthmore College
Swarthmore could be one of the top colleges vying for the title of the best Harry Potter-themed school on this list.
With its annual Yule Ball, you will find plenty of Potter-themed surprises. Not only that, but the campus is exactly what J.K. Rowling would have imagined when writing her series.
Another fascinating ode to Harry Potter is the school newspaper, which changes its name from “The Phoenix” to “The Daily Profit” during the winter.
If that doesn’t scream Potterhead, we don’t know what does.
On campus, you will find stunning architecture paired with spanning greenspaces perfect for studying.
The iconic gothic architecture will transform the way you see ordinary college campuses, elevating it to the next level.
Also, with such a tight-knit community, it will feel as if you’ve all taken the train from platform 9 3/4 to enter the wizarding world.
Undoubtedly, Swarthmore’s academics are equally as impressive as the design of its campus.
The school features an incredible number of programs of study, from gender and sexuality studies to astronomy.
Students can also have complete educational freedom by designing their majors.
7. Flagler College
Although Flagler College might not have as quintessential of a Harry Potter look as some other schools, it has some of the most impressive celebrations.
Many of the on-campus buildings are a blend of gothic architecture with Florida-inspired elements.
That said, there is no doubt it’s one of the more unique-looking campuses you are likely to come across.
As mentioned, Harry Potter fans can rejoice, as this Florida-based school has an entire Harry Potter-themed week.
They turn the commons into Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, allowing students to explore various fun shops and displays.
The school also transforms the Great Hall, offering fun games and prizes for students to enjoy.
Regarding academics, Flagler College has various major, minor, and graduate programs. Students can explore entrepreneurship, sign language, media studies, and more.
Living the Real-Life Hogwarts Experience
Searching for colleges that look like Hogwarts is simpler than you’d think in the United States.
Many campuses are home to gothic-inspired buildings that bring you into the perfect dark academia aesthetic.
With many different Harry Potter-themed events, these schools are perfect for fans of the franchise.
